is way."

"Then we were in great luck to have you around just when we needed help
most," declared Ned; who had already arranged with Captain Bill to carry
the whole party down to Halifax, where they could be landed; Francois
and the Cree to head for their home country, well paid for their
services, and the scouts starting for New York by the first steamer,
after wiring to Jack's father about the success of their great
expedition.

They were soon aboard the _Grampus_, where their coming was a surprise
to the crew. Their astonishment increased, however, when Captain Bill at
once gave orders for getting the mudhook up, and leaving their
anchorage, as well as preceding all the other sealers on the homeward
bound trip.

The boys were willing to put up with such accommodation as might be
looked for on board a Yankee sealing vessel. Of course, steam was the
propelling power, for sailing vessels belong to a by-gone age; and they
were soon making good time out to sea.

That was the last Ned and his chums were likely to ever see of the
inhospitable shores of the famous Hudson Bay. They had found it the home
of more than one mystery, and would often recall some of their strange
experiences there, while investigating the facts connected with the
wonderful mining find that had been offered to Jack's father, and other
capitalists, for investment.

When the next morning came along, they were out of sight of land, and
bowling on at a ten knot an hour clip. Look which way they might, there
was nothing but a vast expanse of heaving, tumbling water around them;
and yet Mate Plunkett told them they were still in Hudson Bay, and would
be for two days, even under the most favorable conditions, such was the
extent of the inland sea.

Fortunately, the boys all proved to be good sailors, so that they felt
very little bad effects from the motion of the vessel, as she ploughed
her way through the rolling billows, throwing the spray high in the air.

It would have been difficult to have found a happier and more care-free
group of scouts than those five lads from the great metropolis, as day
followed day, and they enjoyed one of the most wonderful voyages they
had ever had the good fortune to embark upon.

The weather proved to be splendid, and besides, they were just brimming
over with joy, because of the great success that had followed their long
journey up into the Far Northland.

It would be weeks before those in charge of the mining